Diagnosis
In most cases, a doctor can diagnose the cause of swollen lymph nodes by carrying out several physical examinations that focus on the affected area and by talking about the patient’s symptoms and medical history. However, they may also request medical tests to determine the cause of the swelling. These tests may include a routine blood test to look for signs of infection. Imaging tests can help a doctor look closely at the lymph nodes and the structures around the affected area. Imaging tests include:
- ultrasound
- CT scan
- MRI scan
If the swelling persists for several weeks or a person has other warning signs, a doctor may order a lymph node biopsy. During this procedure, the doctor will numb the area, make a small cut, and remove a section of lymph node tissue to send to a laboratory for examination under a microscope. In some cases, they may opt for fine-needle aspiration, which involves using a needle to remove some cells from the lymph node for analysis.